Greatest of all time? Frankel, 2000 Guineas

The greatest performance by a throughbred in 300 years of the breed?
Champion juvenile the previous season, the 2011 2,000 Guineas was the ultimate day of reckoning for Frankel - the first Classic of the British season, arguably the pre-eminent stallion-making race and the target that trainer Sir Henry Cecil and owner Prince Khalid Abdulla and Juddmonte would have had in mind every since Frankel made his winning debut the previous August at Newmarket.
A phenonemal talent, Frankel was also wilful and headstrong and had proven tough to channel to the maxium of his awesome abuility in his juvenile career and those traits were still a considerable cause for concern early in his career-defining three-year-old campaign. Frankel's wide draw in the 2000 Guineas - on the other side of the track from his pacemaker - had the potential to ruin Classic aspirations on the wide expanse of the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.
What happened next was truly extraordinary and unquestionably one of the finest performances ever seen in the 300 years of the thoroughbred. Even in an unbeaten 14-race career as glittering as Frankel's, this performance - given the circumstances - could be potentially argued as the finest and most remarkable of all.

[@darrenwarby32]

Im 56 yrs old , ive been lucky enough to watch Pele and Maradona play football , Muhammad Ali box , Ronnie O'Sullivan play snooket , Phil Taylor play darts , Jonah Lomu at his best and now im adding Frankel to that list .

[@user-sg9sv5hj7s]

CHI ERA il fantino'' di Frankel'' ? perche ha fatto bene i conti' in questa dirittura infinita

[@johnnywires943]

I like Frankel,who doesn't but how would he have coped with Shergar and Nijinsky,before the bout of ringworm.Nijinsky at his best with Lester on board.Lovely memories.

[@slide_drexler]

frankel's epsom derby and arc wins was like a fantastic dream.

[@johnnysheridan]

​@@user-sg9sv5hj7s Tom Quelly Irish jockey, he rode Frankel on all outings

[@darrenjohnbryant51]

I'm 57 done the same as you. Congratulations on being alive at the right time in life.

[@formerarcadian8167]

Who comes back and watches this every year like me!

[@Elliot-T]

I watch it whenever I'm having a bad day aha

[@tysonbasye5171]

I hadn’t ever even heard about it until just now, but I’m glad it found me! That was beautiful!

[@paulparkin7467]

Me today .Still the best

[@BobSandwiches]

Yep. Still amazing

[@lintburn]

"at the bushes frankel is 15 lengths clear! " goosebumps every time

[@michaeldowd5545]

Who was the runner up. Run like that against El Gran Senor and you get beat. The first 5 in EGS guineas finish 2nd here easily. It was a terrible field. The whole field probably finish second in Bridider Gerard's Guineas. Frankel was great but this field is a joke.

[@beverleymorris167]

2 seconds slower than zafonics, On faster ground than zafonics!

[@genuinematerial6618]

Frankel blew apart a very weak 2000 guinees field and was all out doing it

[@beverleymorris167]

@@genuinematerial6618 In a slow time for good to firm ground!

[@dandare1626]

Watching it tonight. God bless Frankel. Kept Henry alive for them few more years. What a horse

[@harpalchauhan428]

In 26 years of following horse racing will never see another performance like that in the rest of my lifetime

[@joyreising540]

Wow. What else can you say about this fantastic wonderhorse. I love the commentator's enthusiasm and how you can tell he is absolutely taken aback. Can't wait to see him run this year.

[@binner69er]

I dont even like horse racing. But this horse makes me feel passionate for some reason and even made me shed a tear today. Special horse

[@paulconway7186]

Quite simply, THE GREATEST FLAT HORSE THERE HAS EVER BEEN OR EVER WILL BE! It was the thrill of my lifetime to watch this unbelievable horse, and to top it off, trained by the incomparable Sir Henry,!

[@kurman4749]

Only a clueless fool would make a statement that you cannot possibly prove.

[@theunvaccinator]

2nd in my list only to the Secretariant story

[@PeterMc141]

​@@theunvaccinatorAmerican horses come no way near the likes of Frankel. Stop talking rubbish.

[@silversurfer640]

​@@PeterMc141 The talking rubbish is from you I'm afraid my friend. Love Frankel but he wouldn't have been able to live with some of the US best.

[@watchinginawe]

Undoubtedly the most awe inspiring performance I have seen in my 30 years of watching horse racing. Still gives me goosebumps now.

[@Paulhanratty885]

Until he won at royal Ascot 👍

[@stevelee4952]

A horse that, on times, won the King Stands at Royal Ascot and The Derby.

[@dereklynch1815]

For me the greatest 1 mile horse of Al time just special that race for me was unreal remember watching it live was crying after it really miss watching this special horse run

[@malarktaful]

Mind blowing and backed up/enhanced by every subsequent performance - best I've seen in 60 years.

[@watchinginawe]

Despite being a huge football, cricket, rugby and ladies beach volleyball fan I have no hesitation in naming this performance from Frankel in my top 5 sporting moments. I will never tire of seeing it and cannot understand anyone who is not totally blown away by it. It remains one of the most incredible things I have ever seen.

[@bflex89]

Unbelievable wasn't he. Him and kauto star really made me fall in love with horse racing

[@michaeldowd5545]

Who finished second. Look up El Grand Senor. Look up the horses that finished, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. All better than any horse that Frankel ever beat. Ever. Ever. This is the most over rated performance of all time Frankel is great, but not on this performance. Frankel was a great 4 year old. But Brigadier Gerard and El Gran Senor were racing against equine royalty and won easily in their 2000 Guineas s On this, El Grand Senor picks him up in the last 100yds and wins 5 lenght on the bridle

[@kevinmunday6263]

​@michaeldowd5545 Absolute Nonsense, El Gran senor was over rated, He wouldn't have got near Frankel over a mile or 10 furlongs

[@MrMusicfan678]

I remember this so vividly. The announcer kept calling the other horses names and I thought, "Man this other horse is running off the screen." Reminds me so much of Spend a Buck in the 1985 Kentucky Derby. Not breathing the same air as the other horses.

[@BBoyBiff]

That low grab gallop is extraordinary, he looks like a national hunt horse trying to get his feet in the mud , but in fast forward and on good ground, ive never seen another horse grab the ground like this lad , total freak ❤️❤️❤️

[@craigtechno84]

still gives me goosebumps watching that, unbelievable!

[@charliebrockett]

Simply the best Brilliant training by Henry Cecil,and the best is yet to come

[@siongardner1483]

Goosebumps every time, commentary is superb.

[@kurman4749]

He is generally regarded as a very poor commentator. Says a lot about your opinion doesn't it?

[@jstorey1986]

Complete domination in a race of that class that I've not witnessed before or probably ever will again. Staggering.

[@uhegbu]

From start to finish, breakthing, a joy to watch.

[@f1fantic1]

What a preformance!!! Good to see Tom get a classic at last!!

[@christopherboylan1259]

Unbelievable my favourite horse what a machine great comentery aswell

[@markdoyle6400]

Even the great Frankel was starting to tire about 3 furlongs out but he just kept on finding what an incredible horse he was.

[@MegaVector2011]

Had the privilege of seeing this rocket in the flesh win the Juddmonte at York last week, my home town course. I've seen some good horses over the years, I'm fifty now, nothing comes close to Frankel. The horse has charisma. You can't describe it until you've witnessed it. 30.000 people cheeered him, during and after a mind blowing performance on a warm day. He strutted back up the straight without breaking sweat, with the poise of a dressage horse lapping up the adulation. Incredible horse.

[@user-rm7uc7hq7f]

love this race. This and Secretariate in the Belmont are my two most viewed races if all time. To do it fro the front and destroy your opposition is what racing fans love

[@watchinginawe]

I think that Sir Henry's very poor health was a major factor in the campaigning of Frankel and the fact he never raced overseas. Do you really doubt that he would have been anything other than brilliant had he raced abroad? I certainly wouldn't hold it against him. He's the best we've seen for a very long time, maybe ever.

[@marcusprice3199]

Nothing in France at the time would have beaten him and why risk his record against the doped up horses in the breeders cup?

[@kevinmunday6263]

Not convinced about 12 furlongs but We will Never Know...

[@08DENMAN]

Marvellous stuff

[@johnwhite4114]

Still find this MAGICAL

[@Rab1802]

Mind Blowing ! ! !

[@MyHorseLife95]

Absoloutley breathtaking, what an amazing horse! Bet everyone involved was very happy when he won this race!!!! haha

[@21shergar]

Agreed - truly topper commentary.

[@mythbusterman8541]

He had such great versatility could win races in a variety of different ways , he could blitz them from the front or come from off the pace and storm home pure class.

[@akenne20]

Amazing

[@anthonydecruz178]

A beautiful racehorse with balance and amazing acceleration, he reminded me of his ancestor ,the great Northern Dancer in his ebullient. He stands on a par with my favourite Sea Bird 11.

[@shaneenglish7371]

I backed that day we were celebrating after two furlongs has 2 be d best ever class😊

[@Woolfie3Paws]

AWESOME DISPLAY OF FRONT RUNNING

[@markturner1970]

I was gutted last week when Claire Balding said he'd been injured and would not race again so it's great news he's back in full training. Can't wait to see him again!

[@keitharrowsmith-oliver7418]

I do, incredible

[@sargio316]

R.I.P Sire Henry. An absloute Gentleman & a legend X

[@RuthDuffy-ez2nt]

I adore this wonder horse and what a 😍 beauty 💕

[@MegaVector2011]

Can't wait to see this magnificent beast at the Juddmonte Stakes in 2012. He is a machine. I've seen many good horses, I'm from York - but he is off the scale.. Makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck thinking about this horse pounding down the Knavesmire.

[@101wildgoose]

Love the fact the crowd just stood and applauded for the last 2f. When did you ever see that?

[@camaaaan]

RIP Sir Henry Cecil - let's leave the childish arguments and just salute a great man.

[@tykennedy8377]

I'm so lucky this beautiful fantastic wonder horse 🐎 was in my life time

[@suckzinclee]

Beautiful animal!

[@aberlioness]

What an awesome performance. At 4 furlong pole, the rest of the field was 'rowing' whilst Queally was motionless on Frankel. That for me is a mark of absolute quality, and at this level, unbelievable. Who says Frankel needs a pacemaker?! To those one eyed BC fans - THIS.

[@21shergar]

I think Frankel has the capacity to be an unbeatable freak, but only time will tell.

[@johngumbar5762]

Fantastic Frankel.....

[@seadrifter8975]

El Gran senor was the best 2000 guineas winner I've seen? Frankel was freakish, though he did it as a 4 year old, too . The number one.

[@michaeldowd5545]

EGS was way more impressive 2000 G winner. This field was dier. ELS was not whipped, Frankel was smacked hard 4 times. ELS beat Chief Singer, A horse 14 lbs better than Dawai Gold. ELS finished full of running, Frankel finished exhausted. ELS was on a different planet to this performance, and if he was in this race he would be 5 lengths down at the 1 furlong pole and would 5 lengths up without going for the stick at the finish.

[@JimMcDonaldBoxing-pj7hb]

Micheal very very good 👍 Agree so I do 🏇🤝

[@tubeyhamster]

Wow Frankel was really flying during the first half mile.

[@mrcasinocokey]

Glad to hear Frankel is fit and well and will hopefully make Newbury.

[@gazowen7310]

Poetry in motion

[@earp61able]

First five furlongs into a head wind in 58 seconds and wins by the second biggest margin in the two century history of the 2000 guineas. The greatest.

[@michaeldowd5545]

The field so was dier he would have to win by 10l and not get smacked so hard in the final furlong to be the greatest. This is miles behind Brigadier Gerard and El Gran Senor, both beat horses Mill Reef , Chief Singer that would have beaten Dawai Gold by more than 6 lenghts.

[@19welchy]

wow that must be the 10th time i have watched that and it still takes my breath away!!! i might not no as much as some on flat racing but thats the closest thing to pegasus ive seen in 17 years of following this amazing sport!!! fucking brilliant!

[@tjjlm444]

this was the 1st time he has went to the lead and was a front runner normally he comes off the pace. this race showed me how versatile he really is and it was almost like cecil was making a statement saying this horse can win any way he wants.i really dont see anything stopping him from going 10 or 12 f .this horse to me is a mirror image of ghostzapper who frankel trained.its still early on but he has all the makings of one of the all time greats as long as he stays healthy.

[@GBeret83]

A BEAST IS BORN!! Watching how easily Frankel defeated this field, I wonder if Henry Cecil didn't already know that he was capable of a run like this long before we ever saw it? Looks like Cecil and Prince Khalid Abdullah intend to point Frankel toward the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal-Ascot next instead of the Epsom Derby. According to comments that Cecil made to RacingUK on Sunday at the 1000 Guineas meeting.

[@mikemoores1631]

Legend

[@21shergar]

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! This is a moment that transcends this particular sport. Like Usain Bolt's Olympic 100ms and Edwards' 1973 try against the All Blacks, this was astonishing, magnificent and marvellous. But never will a trainer and owner have been in such a dilemma as to what to do next. Frankel doesn't look like a Derby horse, but he needs the Derby to cement the greatness revealed today. Who cares about the St James' Palace Stakes or the International? To Epsom, please.

[@TheLovwomen]

Ridiculous !!!! RIP Sir Henry

[@paulli2009]

Good job!!!Frankel!!!

[@Nautilus1972]

Frankel’s first foal was a colt born at Coolmore Stud in Co Tipperary on January 11th to a mare called Chrysanthemum. Interesting because Chrysanthemum's grand-dam was by Sadler's Wells .... who is the grand sire of Frankel.

[@thelovwoman]

Ridiculous Talent 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jamieparsons6918]

To this day, frankel is the greatest flat race horse to have ever lived, and probably will never be another horse like him. I remember watching this race in the pub and this was a complete demolition by him, the best there has ever been.

[@michaeldowd5545]

Dr Fager on a line of form in the DC International was 16lbs better then Sir Ivor. Timeform would have to rate him 151. Better then Frankel. This was based on 1960s American 4yr old handicap racing. He literally carried the 16lbs more then Fort Marcy, a serious American race horse.

[@oojannati]

i agree. ME TOO!!

[@chafe11]

The two horses must meet someway or another. Match of the century II.

[@MegaVector2011]

He's a rocket, knows what he's doing..See you in York feller.

[@forsoup]

@thepoacher2010 Absolutely. Canford Cliffs is an oustanding, world class miler and seems to cruise at such a high speed. I love the both of them and cannot wait to watch it. I just think Frankel might raise his game against these older, better milers. The massive stride is what I think gives him the edge in a close battle. But what a fantastic race for the sport! Bring it on :)

[@slickwillywize]

looks decent. 1m 4f horse?

[@navienmarwah4150]

The greatest in Europe.

[@bazglsgw1208]

Ran the 1st 5f in 0.56 seconds what a horse. Just about to start a new book about Sir Henry Cecil called Trainer Of Genius.

[@DroidpatkanyTube]

@thehonzie1 Will not be in any breeders cup races this year...His trainer said he will race in the classic next year if all goes well.

[@forsoup]

Anyone have opinions on how Canford and Frankel would get on if they tried 10f? Richard Hannon is itching to try CC at that trip it seems given his recent interview statements. If Frankel continues to learn to settle, then I think we will see him tried over 10f too. Could they give the top 10f horses anything to worry about?

[@damredub]

Frankel is awesome. Zafonic would have struggled against this one! I was a Brigadier Gerard fan, and as always , we will never know what would have happened had they all met. Just enjoy this horse for what he is. A beast!

[@tigerboy1966]

Having watched racing for 35 years, I can confidently say that I have never seen anything like that. I had Pathfork in this race, but I ripped my ticket up after 30 seconds. Maybe Dayjur could have lived with Frankel over six furlongs: that would have been fun to watch.

[@michaeldowd5545]

El Gran Senior Dude.

[@21shergar]

Ah! Golden Cygnet! Had the most potential of any horse I've seen, but it was unrealised, so we'll never know for sure. But GC looked untouchable

[@johngilly28]

@stephen180984 i see dialled in ran well, 8th??

[@watchinginawe]

For me, this is the horse of my lifetime. I'm sure Cecil feels the same, hence the most unusual tactics employed here - he wanted to show off how amazing this horse is. I'm sure they will revert to sitting in again in the St. James on Tuesday and Frankel will explode in the final 1 to 2 furlongs and leave them flailing in his dust. Very exciting to have a horse this brilliant. Huge statement I know but, trained accordingly, this horse could be the champion of Europe over anything from 6f-12f.

[@watchinginawe]

You know only time will tell how great this horse is. But I tell you what, forget the party line from Cecil playing down expectations. For him and Queally to ask the horse to run like that tells me they think he is a MACHINE. When have you ever seen a horse blitz a classic in that fashion? I am devastated because I have hefty antepost accumulators resting on Frankel to win the Eclipse at 6/1 and he's not now been entered. Had he run I believe that would have been the best 6/1 bet in history.

[@holyspirit7852]

He is a monster probably the best grass horse ever

[@john131349]

cant belive how fast he went early on, was that the plan or did Tom Quealy not realise how fast he was going?

[@spencerachung]

a class horse indeed...doesnt look like he will relax for a mile and a half

[@grincher2006]

when he comes against the older horses it wont be so easy. My concern was the tactics here. Sure he won but how much did that take out of him? We will soon find out. Dancing Brave, Shergar and Dayjur are 3 horses I can think of in last 30 years that oozed class.

[@foxpap71]

a horse thats win a classic wai without being required to fund does not see many and this frankel has not even a recent smelled i belived that roderic o'connor with moore could also beat but it was dream for me a.p. o'brien fans. congratulation henry cecil and t.p. queally for frankel the best performance in the story 2000 guineas

[@Alayta]

Great performance! But -how strong are the doping controls in the orse business? If a Velocipedista would dominate a field like that, this question would be the first to ask.

[@DeathTaxBlackCaviar]

"But at the bushes, Frankel he's 15 lengths clear!" (1'05) If that doesn't get the hairs on your neck standing on end then you are made of stone! Love it - good call Ian Bartlett.

[@michaeldowd5545]

Duwai Gold finishes second. Hueston we have a problem.

[@TooDarnSoulful]

I have to agree with Timeform - very very special , with a cruising speed like that you have to live with him if you have any hope of beating him. Who is going to beat him ?

[@ASupremeOwl]

@21shergar Only time will tell how good this chap is? He's just won a Guineas in the most remarkable fashion ever seen. He doesnt need to do anymore talking. The best 3 year old in training and with a little a tinkering probably the best miler about and I say that with confident words. I cannot wait to see him face Canford Cliffs all being well...

[@lee7701]

What I remember about this race was having a stupid each way bet on slim shady at a crazy price of like 200/1 or something and actually getting paid out for him finishing around 20 lengths behind Frankel in fourth

[@benstoke19]

frankel will never be beat hes too good far too good for anything in the uk hes got the highest rating in the world cecil loves him and hel make sure he retires unbeaten

[@ASupremeOwl]

When will we see a Guineas run like that again? Regardless of the field to run a Guineas in that fashion over Newmarket is some feat alone. Its a stiff mile and to set off like a jet plane and maintain that gallop is something only a freak of nature could achieve. Hes without a doubt the best horse I've seen over a mile as I wasn't lucky enough to see the Brigadier. Theres been some greats over the years The Rock of Gibralter, Hawk Wing's demolition in the Lockinge, George Washington...

[@evanpwell]

machine

[@dean3tuns]

un real. The horse oozes class. This is a group 1 and its cruising speed is so much higher than all its rivals very inpressive. The jury is still out until it races older horses but you can not argue with the way it demolished a g1 field.

[@ASupremeOwl]

Canford Cliffs, Goldikova the list is endless but not one of them as excited Me as much as Frankel. Hes the horse everyone wants to see when the racing is broadcasted, The only horse you want to get a glimpse of in the paddock. His Sussex win topped it off when he annihilated Canford Cliffs who in my honest opinion wasn't injured he was just blown out of the water by a true racing GREAT! Everyone as there doubters mostly French and Aussies. No suprise there...

[@MOHOFOLITE]

@joiganja It was nearly a second slower than last years winning time but then again he did go from the front! Don't think he was fully extended all the way either so don't think times can come into it being honest

[@SumoCumLoudly]

I was on at 150/1 when he was a foal, easy money.

[@watchinginawe]

Quite a few of our Aussie friends have been getting stuck into Frankel recently, saying that he needs a pacemaker. Guess they haven't seen this?

[@MegaVector2011]

He was playing with them. Frankel rules, he has a brain. You can see it in his eyes..

[@johnnysheridan]

Most definitely!!!..

[@21shergar]

Even tops DB's Arc.

[@jay6cee]

hahaha. just laughing at comments saying hes underrated or hasnt raced any decent horses and all the other shite people are coming out with. this is the first time a jockey on frankel has had to use the whip. when the horse bollocks it off much quicker than the pacemaker and still wins..you got a good horse. amazing.

[@GBeret83]

I think Cecil taking this colt to Ascot for the St James's Palace, and then likely to Goodwood for the Sussex is spot on!! Cecil's had reservation's about Frankel staying 12f from day one. So why risk a sub-par run at Epsom? When he'll likely dominate at Ascot. I think that later in the season we'll see Frankel stepped on up to 10f. Hopefully he'll be at York in August for the Juddmonte International Stakes? Great race to see how Frankel will fare against the best older horses over 10f? TJMO.

[@drofheim]

This is what New Approach nearly did but met an awesome miler in Henrythenavigator